The actor Thomas Carter, known as T.K. Carter, has died aged 69.
He was known for his roles in horror film The Thing and animation Space Jam.
In a statement provided to Metro from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a call for service was made at 5.42pm on Friday regarding an unresponsive male.
It continued: ‘Los Angeles County Fire personnel responded and pronounced the male deceased on scene.’
Carter was found at what is believed to be his home in Duarte, California on January 9.
The cause of death has not been released, but no foul play is suspected.
Carter first appeared on screens in 1976 with an episode of NBC’s Police Woman, before going on to act in shows like Family Matters, Good Times,and Just Our Luck.
He was born in New York, but grew up outside of Los Angeles, where he started his career as a comedian aged 12.
The versatile actor will also be remembered for playing Mike Fulton in the first two seasons of sitcom Punky Brewster.
Fans have taken to X to share their tributes.
Wicky wrote: ‘RIP Mr T.K Carter. You will be missed.
‘You may have been Nauls in The Thing, but you always be Cribbs to me.’
Another fan, AZ, commented on his skills as an actor: ‘R.I.P one of my favourite acting performances was by T.K. Carter on The Corner.
‘As Gary he gave an Oscar worthy performance, wish it got the recognition it deserve.’
@NubiruSrar agreed it was memorable: ‘Carter has been on TV/Movies my entire life but his performance as Gary in The Corner will haunt me forever.’
The late actor played drug addict Gary McCullough in the HBO miniseries The Corner, and was praised for his depiction of the illness.
Reflecting on the role in a 2025 episode of the podcast Live From The Green Room, he revealed that he wasn’t being considered for the show until an actor friend connected him with her manager to set up an audition.
He was known for his comedic acting, as well as his dramatic capabilities.
In 1990, he played Iceman in the action comedy Ski Patrol.
Carter’s final appearances came in 2023 with TV shows The Company You Keep and Dave.
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